Runners have long since finished the Dirty Half Marathon which took place on June 9th, but the event continues to impact the community. FootZone Bend has donated the proceeds from the race--totaling more than $24,000--to the Deschutes Land Trust. With this contribution, the nine-year FootZone donation totals more than $167,000.

"FootZone's annual donations from the Dirty Half Marathon have bolstered our efforts to preserve land in Central Oregon," said Brad Chalfant, executive director of the Land Trust. "With support from FootZone, we are better able to pursue projects that ensure the next generation of running trails," he continued.

Teague Hatfield, owner of FootZone, didn't start the race in 2001 to raise money. "We just wanted to create a great running event," he said. Over time, Hatfield recognized "it made sense for this scenic trail run to benefit a local organization that protects land in Central Oregon."

Pine Mountain Sports also made their annual donation to the Land Trust. Each year Pine Mountain Sports gives 1% of their Club Card sales to various nonprofits in Central Oregon. The Land Trust received over $1,500 in 2013 from the program. Throughout the years, Pine Mountain Sports has contributed more than $50,000 to local nonprofits that make Central Oregon a better place to live.

"We are fortunate to have such strong support from partners like FootZone and Pine Mountain Sports," Chalfant said. "They really make a difference for conservation in Central Oregon."